Orchid royalty

[sand_tiger86]

Ever noticed how there's a sort of hierarchy among orchids? Vandas, Cattleyas, Oncidiums, Phals and Dendrobiums are like the royal family. All the rest are either widely unavailable to people due to places not selling any other kinds, or being "undesirable". I almost added Cymbidiums to the royal family, since they are pretty common after all, but they're such assholes to grow that I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. Court jesters, perhaps?

Vandas, naturally, lead the pack with an iron fist.

[tucker85]

I've always considered big classic white or lavender cattleyas to be the aristocrats of all orchids.

[gardenguysorchids]

I agree with you, Jeff. A big white or lavender catt screams royality!

[panam]

I love to see the discussions Kelly comes up with. Kelly, you love to stir the pot, don't you?

I used to have a co-worker who would quietly come in and make a comment or ask a question and then sit back and watch everyone scramble around promoting his or her opinion. He always kept life interesting, and you remind me of him.

[sand_tiger86]

I love to see the discussions Kelly comes up with. Kelly, you love to stir the pot, don't you?

I used to have a co-worker who would quietly come in and make a comment or ask a question and then sit back and watch everyone scramble around promoting his or her opinion. He always kept life interesting, and you remind me of him.

Hahahaha...It's just my nature, I guess. I get bored of that same ol' same conversations. What is life without a little boundary pushing? I've been banned on a many'a forum due to my outlook on things...usually because it's "disrespectful" or "mean" etc. etc. I'm on a pop music forum and tend to cause mass chaos when I start talking Lady Gaga vs. Madonna. Feathers go flying.

[Chris1140]

Some of the larger Paphs, like rothschildianum, look regal.

[sand_tiger86]

Yes, but Paphs are but lowly servants to the Vandas and Cattleyas. Bottom feeders...literally! lol

[stateless]

I don't know why but I've always considered paphs to be the top in orchid hierarchy, then cymbidiums, then vandas and catts, phals and dens as pawns. I'm basing my answer from working in flower shops where all you used were phals and dens. I think a well grown multifloral paph is the most regal of all orchids and commands attention. My opinion, nice topic thanks, interested in what others have to say

[sand_tiger86]

Terrestrial orchids automatically are demoted to pawns in my book. I definitely think Vandas are the Queen of the hive, but that's a biased opinion. I find them the most regal, complicated and striking of all genres.

[Abrielle107]

Oh Vandas top my list but I sure love a haughty Paph. I hear you on the Cyms. Ornery little buggers.